Oral Histories

Interview of Shobha Govind

Immigrant from India.
Series:
South Asian Women in Los Angeles
Topic:
Asian American History
Community History
Biographical Note:
Immigrant from India.
Interviewer:
Hampapur, Veena
Interviewee:
Govind, Shobha
Persons Present:
Govind and Hampapur.
Place Conducted:
Govind's home.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Interviewer Background and Preparation:
The interview was conducted by Veena Hampapur; B.A., anthropology, minor in South Asia studies, UC Berkeley; M.A., anthropology, UCLA. Her research focuses on conceptions of citizenship and identity in the South Asian American diaspora.Hampapur prepared for the interview by reading about the waves of South Asian immigration to the United States. As a graduate student in anthropology, she has conducted research on the South Asian diaspora in the United States which shaped the direction of her inquiries. Veena Hampapur gained access to the participants through her personal and academic networks. Before each interview, she reviewed her previous knowledge of the participant (if any) in order to tailor the interview for each woman's personal experiences.
Processing of Interview:
The transcript is a verbatim transcription of the recording. It was transcribed by a professional transcribing agency using a list of proper names and specialized terminology supplied by the interviewer. Govind was then given an opportunity to review the transcript and make corrections and additions. Those corrections were entered into the text without further editing or review on the part of the Center for Oral History Research staff.
Length:
2.5 hrs.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Audio:
Series Statement:
The South Asian Women in Los Angeles series documents the lives of a number of women who are first generation South Asian immigrants and who lived or currently live in the greater Los Angeles area. This project was generously supported by Arcadia funds.
Family in Bangalore—Independent daughters—Art talent—Choosing medical school—Unique upbringing—Parents' education and occupations—Growing up in Malleswaram—Performing—Memories of neighbors—Memories of family studying—Top rank at school—Friends in youth—Sports Review—Cricket—Bangalore in youth—Linguistic skills—Extended family—Parents' origins—Learning arts—School—Making maps—Multiple interests—Science path—Motivations for becoming a doctor—Medical school—Interacting with patients—Women in medical school—Kuala Lumpur—Immigration to U.S.—Initial impressions of U.S.—Conservatism—Racism—Questions about India.
Expectations of U.S.—Surprises in the U.S.—Desire to return to India—Attitudes of medical staff—International population—Friends—Adjustment stress—Lata Mangeshkar concert—Reasons for remaining in U.S.—Oncology—Driving to New York—Meeting husband by “accident”—Issues getting married—Joining husband—Similarities between people—Belated honeymoon—Moving to Los Angeles—Adapting to L.A.—Indian activities—Melting pot—Indian community—Social misfit in India—Visiting India—Communicating internationally